Skip to content ↓

Anti - Bullying

At Medina Primary School, every child has the right to learn in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. We take all allegations of bullying seriously and work in partnership with pupils, parents, and staff to prevent bullying and respond swiftly whenever it occurs.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. At Medina, we help children remember this using the acronym S.T.O.P. (Several Times On Purpose).

It generally involves three main components:

  • Repeated: It happens more than once or over a period of time.

  • Intentional: It is done deliberately to hurt, threaten, or upset someone.

  • Power Imbalance: The person bullying uses strength, social status, or group size to intimidate another.

Forms of Bullying

  • Physical: Hitting, kicking, shoving, tripping, gesturing, or taking/damaging another child's property.

  • Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, insulting, taunting, or making threats.

  • Emotional & Social: Intimidation, deliberate exclusion, spreading rumours, gossiping, or using friendships to manipulate or hurt others.

  • Cyberbullying: Bullying that takes place online via social media, messaging apps, or online gaming platforms.

Understanding Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying differs from traditional bullying because it can happen 24/7, carries a sense of online anonymity, and can reach a wider audience quickly. Pupils often worry about reporting cyberbullying due to fear of losing their device privileges—we actively reassure children that reporting online abuse will never result in punishment.

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

A child may not always speak up directly. Signs that your child might be experiencing bullying include:

  • Reluctance or anxiety about coming to school (frequent complaints of stomach aches or headaches).

  • Sudden drop in academic progress or loss of interest in favourite hobbies.

  • Unexplained mood swings, anxiety, sadness, or withdrawal from family and friends.

  • Damaged clothing, lost school equipment, or unexplained injuries.

  • Disrupted sleep patterns, nightmares, or changes in eating habits.

  • Notable changes in behaviour after using phones, tablets, or computers.

Guidance for Pupils: What to Do if You Are Being Bullied

  • Stay Calm & Walk Away: Try not to show a reaction; those who bully often look for an upset response. Walk away confidently to a safe area.

  • Use Your Voice: Assertively say "Stop, I don't like that" if you feel safe to do so.

  • Stay with Friends: Stick with trusted friends on the playground, in corridors, or during lunchtimes.

  • Tell a Trusted Adult: Always report bullying to a parent, teacher, Prefect, or member of staff. You can also leave a note in your class Pupil Voice Suggestion Box.

  • Online Rule — STOP, BLOCK, TELL: If someone is being mean online:

    1. STOP: Do not reply or send angry messages back.

    2. BLOCK: Block the user immediately on the app or game.

    3. TELL: Save screenshots and report it to a parent or teacher.

What Medina Primary School Will Do

We are committed to providing a safe, safe space for every pupil. When an incident is reported, we will:

  • Listen: Take all reports seriously, listening carefully to your child’s experiences.

  • Investigate: Promptly investigate the situation in line with our school Anti-Bullying Policy.

  • Support & Act: Put appropriate support in place for the victim, address the behaviour with the pupil causing harm, and apply appropriate consequences.

  • Communicate: Inform parents about our findings and the actions taken.

  • Follow Up: Contact you within a month to check that your child feels safe and that the situation remains resolved.

How Parents Can Help

  • Maintain Open Communication: Ask gentle, open questions (e.g., "How are things between you and your friends at the moment?" or "Does everyone feel included in playground games?").

  • Reassure Your Child: Reiterate that bullying is never their fault and that speaking up is the right thing to do.

  • Keep Records: Save messages, take screenshots, or note dates and times of incidents to share with the school.

  • Set Digital Boundaries: Keep family computers in shared living spaces, establish clear screen-time limits, and set up parental controls on smartphones and home Wi-Fi networks.